Research Articles (Library)

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Application of AI in Academic Library Services: Prospects and Implications for Quality Service Delivery
(IGI Global, 2023-08) Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Afrane, Daniel Akwasi
Academic libraries are mandated to support the information needs of their students, staff, and faculty. In the current technological environment and the influx of artificial intelligence technology into services provision and delivery, this study assessed the knowledge and perception of librarians on the use of AI in library services provision in Ghana. The population for the study consisted of librarians from all 15 public universities in Ghana. Findings from the study revealed that the librarians were knowledgeable of the emergence of AI and sources their information on AI mainly from research articles. It was also revealed that educational level had a significant positive (r= 0.3, p<0.01) relationship with the sources of knowledge on AI tools and applications. There was a positive significant relationship (r= 0.533, p<0.01) between educational level and the frequency of knowledge acquisition on the application of AI in academic library services provision. Academic libraries are encouraged to invest in AI tools and applications to leverage their advantages.
Strategy for the Resumption of On-Site Operation of the University of Ghana Library System Amid the Corona Virus Pandemic
(International Association of University Libraries (IATUL, 2020), 2020) Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Yeboah, Francis; Afrane, Daniel Akwasi
The availability of information on the nature and spread of the Corona Virus eased the fear and uncertainties surrounding the pandemic after about three months episodes of total and partials lockdowns in Ghana. This saw the government of the Republic of Ghana gradually easing restrictions imposed on citizenry. After nearly three months (90 days) of the closure of the University of Ghana, and for that matter the Balme Library, a hint from the President on the possible re-opening of schools and stakeholder engagements with tertiary institutions sparked up the interest of librarians in looking out for possible re-opening strategies. A purposeful sample of nine senior members was drawn from the population of Senior Members who support the managerial operations of the library. This sample comprised the Reference Librarian and the Head of the various Satellite Libraries in the University of Ghana Library System (UGLS). Through focus group discussions, using virtual platforms such as Zoom and WhatsApp a plan for the safe occupancy of the Libraries was put together to be implemented should the University be called to resume its teaching activities. This paper examines the strategies employed in developing the strategic plan that was implemented for the safe resumption of on-site operation by UGLS amid the Covid-19 pandemic in June, 2020.
Rendering Library Services Amid the Corona Virus Pandemic: A Case of The Balme Library of the University of Ghana
(International Association of University Libraries (IATUL, 2020), 2020) Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Yeboah, Francis; Afrane, Daniel Akwasi
The monumental libraries of the past where users could only assess the resources physically have indeed shifted to the virtual use of materials. Libraries of today are truly more than physical building; all over the world, libraries were forced to shut down their physical buildings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Irrespective of the physical closure, most libraries continued to render invaluable services to their users virtually. The Balme library of the University of Ghana was no exception. Ghana recorded its first suspected Corona Virus case on the 12th of March, 2020. Consequently, the government of the Republic of Ghana ordered the closure of all universities and schools indefinitely on the 16th of March, 2020. Entrenched in a circular signed and distributed by the University’s Registrar on the 21st of March 2020 titled ‘Update on the closure of University’ exempted the University of Ghana Library System and for that matter the Balme Library, from the essential services provided by the University under the circumstances of the pandemic. This led to the physical closure of the Balme Library. The physical building of the Balme Library and all other libraries on the campuses of the university were closed. This notwithstanding, the staff and management of the Balme Library did not relent in providing services to the university community. The library launched deeply into the use of its virtual platforms in providing library services to the university community. This paper provides a catalogue of services rendered to the University community and the public amidst the Covid19 pandemic. These services, among others, include Chat with a Librarian, Off-Campus Access to Databases, Online Chat, Online Databases, Online trainings, article request, institutional repository (UGSpace).
Student’s Assessment of Balme Library’s use of Information Technology in Providing Quick and Efficient Library Services
(South African Journal of Libraries and Information Science, 2022-12-27) Afrane, Daniel Akwasi; Van der Walt, Thomas B.; Donkor, Antonia Bernadette
An academic library operates primarily in a university, college, or polytechnic to provide content, materials, and resources, both print and electronic, to assist with teaching, research, and recreation of the university community. Users of academic libraries possess different levels of skills and expertise and have varying expectations of information technologies used in their academic discourse. This study sought to identify the level of accessibility and availability of information technologies to users in the Balme Library as well as their skills and abilities in the use of IT. It also sought to determine if a relationship exists between the accessibility of information technology tools and facilities available in the library and learning and research outcomes of users. The positivist approach to enquiry was employed in this study. Questionnaires were used in collecting data from undergraduate and postgraduate users of the Balme library of the University of Ghana. Findings from the study revealed a significant positive relationship between the accessibility and availability of IT resources and learning and research outcomes.
Libraries for Tomorrow: The Use of ICT and Space Transformation in Some Academic Libraries in Ghana
(Mousaion: South African Journal of Information Studies, 2022-09-06) Afrane, Daniel Akwasi; Donkor, Antonia Bernadette; Yamson, George Clifford
The aim of this study was to examine transformations in academic library spaces in Ghana. A quantitative approach was adopted for this study. Data was collected using Google Forms. A total of 98 librarians from five academic libraries in Ghana, which represents less than 10% of all librarians in academic libraries in Ghana, participated in the study. The data collected was analysed using R4.0 programming software and is presented using charts and tables. Eighty-one per cent (81%) of the participants agreed that their libraries were moving from “book-centred” to “technology-supported and learning-centred” libraries engineered by emerging technologies and the changing demand of academic library users. It was found that the librarians in the study had moderate to low skills in providing advanced technological support to users in creating, capturing, editing, and sharing multimedia (video, audio, text, images) content for their research, teaching, and learning purposes. The results from the multinomial regression analysis with p values shows that the availability of information technology (IT) facilities, their usability and the skills of librarians were significant, revealing that they have effects on the levels of library space transformation. The capabilities of librarians should be improved from undertaking basic computing tasks to providing advanced support to their users. Stakeholders and academic library management should encourage their young librarians to further their education and engage in continuous professional development programmes. Libraries should develop strategies to secure the necessary funding to integrate IT facilities. The study used quantitative methods to study transformations in academic library spaces, a grey research area in Ghana.
Be Information Literate: The Ghana Institute of Journalism Employees’ Experience
(Ghana Library Journal, 2016) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Afachao, Ernest; Abrokwah, Stella
The purpose of the study is to explore the relationship between information literacy and the workplace. The study also aims to have a better understanding of information literacy skills of GIJ staff and it influence on their work performance. The study population consisted of the registry staff of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from respondents. The study found that poor Internet connectivity at the workplace coupled with staff’s lack of information literacy skills and inadequate print materials were challenges affecting the effective delivery and experience of information literacy at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Some workers expressed confidence in using information to accomplish task at the workplace. However, ten (10) or 33% of the respondents said they always have the confidence and felt competent, to evaluate information and their sources. It is hoped that the findings will inform both management and librarians at the Ghana Institute of Journalism to equip the Institute's information centres with the necessary information resources and also plan effective information literacy programmes for staff of the Institute to enhance performance of task at the workplace.
Resource Sharing among Polytechnic Libraries in Ghana
(International Journal of Technology and Management Research, 2012) Barfi, Faustina Kyerewaa
The paper presents a synthesis on resource sharing among polytechnic libraries in Ghana. It explores how resource sharing would provide opportunities for the consolidation of strengths and minimize weakness among the polytechnic libraries. The main objective of resource sharing is to maximise the availability of materials and services and to minimize expenses and duplication. The paper further exposed some of the factors which make resource sharing imperative among the polytechnic libraries. These concerns include the proliferation of knowledge on the World Wide Web, issues of distance education, open access and instruction service. It also highlighted some of the resources that could be shared among the polytechnic libraries which include personnel, electronic service, tools, professional activities, policies, etc. Finally techniques that would foster resource sharing activities among the polytechnic libraries were discussed and these include communication, increase in the use of information communication technology, resource mobilisation and capacity building on the part of librarians.
The Role of the Technical Universities’ Librarians in the Generation and Management of Technical Research Data (TRD) to Advance Inventions, Innovation and Commercialization in Ghana
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2021) Barfi, Faustina Kyerewaa; Sackey, Kofi-Agyir
The act of the Technical Universities (TU) in Ghana mandates publications which promote invention and innovations. The study examined the role of librarians in the generation and management of technical research data to promote invention, innovation and commercialisation. This is an exploration study which adopted quantitative approach to present its findings. All the librarians from the Ten (10) Technical Universities became the resultant population. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. Emails and mobile app on monkey survey were used to reach respondents. Majority of the Librarians attested that management of technical research data play a key role in advancing invention and innovations. The study discovered some of the sources and varying formats of such data to include ‘’workshop report, laboratory recording and discoveries, prototypes from engineering practical centres, speeches, patterns, amongst others. Data formats encompassed manuscript, photography, interviews, videos, audios and artefacts. The study revealed minimal integration of Technical Research Data (TRD) management in the research strategic objectives of the selected Technical Universities in Ghana. Majority of the respondents (70%) indicated inadequate infrastructure and resources needed to generate and store such data. Inadequate expertise recorded (60%). Lack of policies on research data recorded (40%), poor collaboration (30%), and inadequate funding for training and logistics (20%). In addressing the identified challenges, provision of infrastructure and resources represented (38%). Funding (31%), capacity building on the part of the librarians represented (12%). Deepening collaboration on research data with stakeholders recorded (13%). Further consideration were the establishment of a centralised repository on technical research data among the Technical Universities instead of working in silos. Findings from the study also revealed the need to revamp the curriculum of the Library and Information science schools on emerging fields. Again the librarians are to allocate resources, services and infrastructure which distinctively support research, teaching, and training.
Easy Guide to Long Essay/Dissertation Writing
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia
The guidelines and examples in this handbook reflect a long essay or a thesis that has five chapters. The purpose of this handbook is to serve as a guide for both undergraduate and postgraduate students when writing their research work. It covers tips on how to select a research topic and write a proposal, general guidelines and layout of the various chapters, that is, chapters one to five and the preliminary pages, abstracting, online searches and information sources that can be useful for literature review. Some examples have been provided in this handbook.
Building Healthy Communities: The Role of Libraries in Promoting Selected Sustainable Development Goals (Goal Three)
(University of Pretoria, 2017-01) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia
Healthy living is crucial to sustainable development for every nation. The paper looks at the role libraries can play in promoting sustainable health development in Ghana. Substance abuse, road accidents, viral hepatitis and access to health information were main area considered. The paper indicates that libraries can achieve this by providing timely and relevant information to support researchers, collaboration with health and other institutions and identifying and addressing health needs of their communities through education and campaigns.
The Role of the Academic Library in Capturing Indigenous/Local Knowledge and how such a Programme can be Formalised: Examples from Ghana, Tanzania Uganda and South Africa
(University of Pretoria, 2016-11) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Mtega, Wulystan Pius; Mwembe, Maria Nankya; Nkonyeni, Sixolile
With the enhancement of information and communication technology, science and society has begun to accept that "indigenous knowledge and indigenous knowledge systems are blending with the modern scientific and technical knowledge" (Jain & Jibril, 2016:2). More and more, indigenous knowledge is becoming significant world-wide. The continued existence of every culture, depends on its folklores, legends, customs, rituals, beliefs the knowledge that supports this needs to be preserved for future generations. For this reason, the capturing and preservation of indigenous knowledge is definitely essential for the preservation of the local communities and their identity, which is strongly related to their culture and development of Africa as a whole.
Library Value through User Satisfaction: The Case of Academic Libraries in Ghana
(International Journal of Library and Information Science, 2019-12) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Tetteh, Evelyn Ogboo Apronti
The study is an investigative survey of library users’ satisfaction of library services, resources, staff conduct and impact of the library on the academic achievements of users. Qualitative data was collected from College students, faculty and library staff of two academic libraries in Ghana using questionnaires and interview instruments. The survey established that library services, information resources and the physical library environment have value because users have shown high satisfaction of them. Material lending, photocopying, library space and staff conduct recorded higher level of satisfaction. It is however recommended that academic libraries in Ghana should be equipped with online resources, adequate and knowledgeable staff, and computer systems with high broadband. Also, libraries should endeavor to market library services and resources in order to demonstrate value among stakeholders.
Reality Versus Desire: The Case of GIJ Library Users’ Expectations
(The Committee of University Librarians and their Deputies (CULD), 2012) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Afachao, Ernest
The paper looks at users‘ expectations and their view of library services at the Ghana Institute of Journalism library. The study identifies the GIJ library users‘ expectations by adopting the LibQUAL model propositions to collect data from 20% of the Bachelors degree students. The objective of the paper is to find out how service delivery is currently experienced by users. The paper also offers the evidence to managers of the Institute the need to improve services to meet increasing demands of users‘ expectations. Findings indicate that the dimensions in which users expressed the highest expectations were ‗access to information‘ and affect of services‘: materials that are relevant to their study at GIJ, easy access to electronic information, and staff who are courteous. Findings suggest that the library is well perceived regarding staff services‘: staff who are willing to help users. However, it emerged that the library did not meet the users‘ expectations in some of the propositions in all the three dimensions. Recommendations are made to guide the library strategically and operationally to better meet users‘ expectations.
Achieving Sustainable Development Goals Two and Three: Role of Academic Libraries
(Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2020-08) Mbagwu, Francisca Chinyeaka; Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Lyaka, Martha; Kiwelu, Jackline E.; Holmner, Marlene
Purpose: This study investigated the role academic libraries play in the achievement of sustainable development goals 2 and 3 Design/Methodology/Approach: An exploratory approach through an extensive review of related literature and case study was adopted for this study. Discussion on the efforts made by academic libraries in Federal University of Technology Library Owerri, Nigeria; Makerere University Library, Uganda, Kampala International University, Uganda and Ghana Institute of Journalism Library made in the achievement of SDGs 2 and 3. The study was guided by three research questions. Research questions 1 and 2 were gotten from the literature reviewed while the answer to research question 3 was based on information provided by the researchers being staff in the universities studied and the result of the interview from the rural host community. Findings: Major findings revealed that natural disasters (extreme weather, drought, flood,etc); ineffective food distribution, poor packaging, processing and storage, social support networks, untimely delivery of information, physical environment, inappropriate media for information dissemination among others were the problems militating against attainment of food security and good health. The finding also revealed that the community lacked agricultural information such as where to get the best variety of farm inputs, where and how to source agricultural loans, the market where they will get a better bargain for the products among others. Members of the rural host also lacked health information. Practical Implication: In a hunger crisis society and where health care services are not given the utmost attention, the life of the citizens are endangered. The provision of library and information services to people will empower them to seek and find the solution to these problems. Originality/Value: It is recommended that academic libraries can achieve SDGs 2 and 3 through repackaging of agricultural and health information in different formats and in the language rural communities will understand and make it accessible to them. Libraries can also partner/collaborate with agricultural and health professionals in the provision of extension services to their host communities.
Advancing Innovation and Technology through Patent Information: A Case Study of Accra Polytechnic
(Information and Knowledge Management, 2014) Barfi, Faustina Kyerewaa; Kotey, Frederick Ashaley
This paper presents the outcome of a research carried out at the Accra Polytechnic on the role patent information plays in promoting innovation and technology. The study highlighted on some of the usefulness of patent information and explored its efficacy in teaching and learning. The objectives for the development of polytechnic education in Ghana is to create the manpower need for innovations and also to provide the technical expertise on the job market by ways of modifying and implementing ideas.The outcome of the study revealed that, majority of the students had no knowledge about patent Information and those who had knowledge about it find it difficult accessing and contributing to it. Though the various departments of the polytechnic invent ideas, patenting them becomes difficult.The study responses further indicated that, the aim of the polytechnic is to support research to increase in the availability of scientific and technical information yet the diverse ways of innovation and inventions has not gain the needed support. The study revealed that, the use of patent information in teaching and learning would foster development.Despite the enormous advantages patent plays in technology, the study has buttressed a research report by the World Intellectual Property Organization WIPO (2010) that, Africa is the least continent that utilizes patent information and this has resulted in a decline in innovation and invention. Further, the limited usage of patent information among polytechnics students and the idea of intellectual property were new to them.The study adopted the simple random sampling approach, using the structured questionnaires
Contemporary Roles of Librarians in Navigating and Addressing Academic Research Ethical Dilemmas: The Technical Universities in Perspective
(Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Ghana, 2018-07) Barfi, Faustina Kyerewaa; Alemna, Anaba A.; Adjei, Emmanuel; Brew, Edwin Mends
The polytechnics in Ghana are currently been upgraded to Technical University status. In view of this, academic research and, for that matter, compliance to research ethics has become imperative in these institutions notwithstanding concerns on ranking, funding, open scholarship, virtual research, and reputation building have also come into play. Academic writing is guided by laid down rules, standards and codes of conduct in order to uphold intellectual integrity and honesty. As such, behavioural attitudes, the ‘‘duty-based theory which complements the need for compliance to academic research policies, rules and codes of conducts has been espoused. The researchers explored the librarians’ role in support of the Technical University new road map. This is an exploratory study that adopted the quantitative method. Senior Polytechnic Librarians whose institutions had undergone the transition became the resultant respondents. A questionnaire was the instrument used for the data collection. Twenty-six responses were analysed using SPSS to ascertain the results Findings revealed a number of roles deemed traditional and contemporary. Although the librarians play crucial roles by instilling academic discipline, emerging roles and use of Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications were minimal. The study revealed plagiarism, fabrication, poor record keeping, honorary authorship, conflict of interest, duplication particularly of dissertations as some of the dilemmas of scholarly communication. Other delinquencies were data insecurity, social network abuse and issues on e-waste. It was discovered that integration of ICT has impacted on academic research and for that matter on ethics. The benefits of adhering to ethical standards promote integrity in research, impact on institution’s reputation, ranking, funding, transparency amongst others. Innovative applications, interactive and collaborative approaches, policy and compliance, sensitisation and education amongst others were recommended as remedies to manage and curtail the menace of violations of research ethics. The study ascertained the degree of awareness of these dilemmas among the librarians. It postulated vigorous ethical scrutiny and research enquiry to ensure that research findings improve human conditions both present and future. As Librarians our traditional roles are currently embedded with the new and challenging tasks.
Reducing Copying and Copyright Infringement: The Case of Ghana Institute of Journalism
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2019-07) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia; Afachao, Ernest
The paper researched copying and copyright infringement among students at the Ghana Institute of Journalism. The quantitative research used a questionnaire to conveniently collect data from two-hundred (200) level 400 students. The Reference Librarian of the University was also interviewed to supplement data collected from the students. Analysis of the data revealed that even though majority of the students are aware of the Copyright Law, infringement of the law still exists among students. This phenomenon has been attributed to the unavailability of the information resources on the market. The expensive nature of some of the information resources have also been identified as a reason for photocopying, which makes it cheaper in acquiring the material. It was also found that the Institute has a guideline for referencing information sources. Besides the referencing guideline handbook, students of GIJ are given some education on Copyright issues by the Library. It is visible from the study that GIJ has measures in place to protect intellectual property among students. Students proposed severe punishment for those who infringe the law. Students proposed punitive measures such as the cancellation and deduction of marks from their overall score obtained from an assignment or an examination. The paper suggests continuous education among students and reprographers on campus about copying and copyright.
Impact of Information Centres on Scientific Research: A Case Study of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia
Information centres are of prime concern as far as managing information is concerned. They have become significant in the provision of scientific and technical resources for scientists. Hence there is the need for information centres to process and repackage information in a suitable format that will satisfy and meet users’ information needs. This study looked at the impact of information centres on scientific research with reference to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. The impact of any information centre’s services on research or on a parent organization depends on the satisfaction users derive through the services. The study adopted the expectation disconfirmation theory, a customer satisfaction model, and used the survey method, employing the semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 60 library users and 20 information centre staff. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to present the analysis. Findings from the study show that the Library is used frequently and patronage is very high. The information resources were found to be reliable, current and produced in a timely manner. Users derive a lot of benefits in using the Information Centre and this has increased research output. However, there are areas of dissatisfaction like the poor nature of Internet connectivity, inadequate information resources and limited funding.

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